*The Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission says it is resolved to ensure that farmers in the South-West are safe, return to their farms, and sell their produce to handle imminent food crisis without any interference by rampaging herdsmen and kidnappers

*There is no need mounting a blockade by one section of the country against the other鈥� this extreme measure is not progressive and even counter-productive, says Arewa Consultative Forum

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In regard to the imminent food crisis as farm produce supplies from the North are apparently blocked from getting to foodstuffs markets in the Southern part of Nigeria, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN) has resolved to ramp up agricultural production in the region.

The group, set up by the South-West Governments, in a statement on its Web site, said it resolved to ensure that farmers in the South-West are safe, return to their farms and sell their produce without any interference.

The DAWN held a virtual meeting with Commissioners and Special Advisers on Agriculture across the states on food security in the region Tuesday, March 2 in light of the imminent food crisis as food supplies from the North are blocked from getting to markets in the South.

Agricultural produce in foodstuffs market

DAWN stated: 鈥淭he states have noted with concern seeming threats to the food supply chain, but will like to assure the people in the region that adequate measures are being taken to ensure that the people are not adversely affected in the medium to long term.鈥�

According to the group, among the resolutions arrived at, securing farmlands is prioritised as farmers leave their farms unattended due to attacks by the herdsmen and kidnappers.

It also noted that South-West states have agreed to tighten and reinforce the Amotekun Security Network details and involve other security agencies.

In February 2021, the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers directed its members to halt food items from the North to the Southern region of the country.

Arewa Consultative Forum expresses concern over food blockade to South

In a related development, Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh, National Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement Tuesday in Kaduna expressed the ACF concern over the dealers鈥� decision

Chief Audu Innocent Ogbeh

Ogbeh said: 鈥淭here is no need mounting a blockade by one section of the country against the other.

鈥淲e believe that whatever may be the difficulties of their members in operating in other parts of the country, ACF leadership led by me is willing to help solve them.鈥�

The ACF National Chairman and former Nigeria鈥檚 Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development stated: 鈥淭his extreme measure is not progressive and even counter-productive.

鈥淲e, therefore, call on the leadership of the union to put a halt to their embargo and blockade in the interest of peace and unity of the country.鈥�

Lagos assures residents no cause for alarm due to rising food prices

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has urged residents to not panic, following reports of stranded trucks conveying foodstuffs from the North on the way, the situation which has led to rising costs of products in the state.

Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, was reported to have given the assurance while featuring on a Radio programme in Lagos Tuesday.

The Commissioner said: 鈥淭here is no need for anxiety; food security is guaranteed, despite the crisis.鈥�

Omotoso disclosed the said the government is not ignorant of the food supply situation and assured citizens that it would not be allowed to become a crisis.

On the government鈥檚 measures in place to resolve the issue, he stated: 鈥淭he government is aware of the situation and Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is on top of it.

鈥淗e has initiated steps to ensure the matter is resolved by the weekend.

鈥淚 assure you Governor Sanwo-Olu is on top of the matter. There will be a meeting. He will tell both sides to embrace peace in the interest of all.鈥欌��

Omotoso urged Lagosians to 鈥渢ake it easy鈥� as the state would continue to put facilities in place to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and supplies.

The current crisis of confidence reportedly emanated from the recent clash of traders at Shasha market, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Subsequently, food and cattle merchants from the North have withheld supplies, an action that has sparked rising prices of food items and other agricultural produce in the South.

Kindly Share This Story